Drascombe Drifter 22 Information, Review, Specs

The Drascombe Drifter 22, launched in 2007, represents a modern evolution within the venerable Drascombe fleet. While bearing the classic Drascombe aesthetic, this iteration was commissioned by Churchouse Boats LTD. from designer Paul Fisher of Selway-Fisher, tasked with updating and revising the original Drifter design conceived by John Watkinson between 1977 and 1986. This renewed design specifically aimed to address and improve upon earlier rudder and buoyancy characteristics, ensuring a more refined and robust sailing experience.

John L. Watkinson's foundational design philosophy for Drascombe boats emphasized creating small, safe, and seaworthy vessels that were also inherently fun and accessible for sailors. His vision focused on practical, robust, and versatile craft that could be easily beached. The Drifter 22 maintains these core principles, featuring a solid fiberglass hull and deck, ensuring durability and low maintenance. It is characterized by a yawl rig, often a gunter yawl with loose-footed sails and traditional Sitka Spruce spars, which contributes to its distinctive appearance and is known for ease of handling, particularly for comfort and stability when sailing downwind or on a broad reach. Unlike some earlier Drifters, the Drifter 22 is a centreboarder, allowing for a minimum draft of 1.31 feet (0.4m) with the plate up, making it highly suitable for exploring shallow waters and trailering. [4, It carries approximately 661 pounds (300kg) of steel ballast, contributing to its stability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Drascombe Drifter 22 is generally lauded as a "lovely boat to sail," offering a blend of docile handling and rewarding performance. With a length overall of nearly 22 feet (21.98 ft) and a waterline length of 19.29 feet, she achieves a theoretical hull speed of 5.89 knots. The boat's yawl rig and reported sail area of 234 square feet are key to its sailing characteristics, providing easy handling and safe sailing, even for single-handed operation, within RCD Category C. [2, 4, The yawl configuration is particularly beneficial for comfort and stability on broader points of sail. Owners and reviewers frequently highlight its forgiving nature and predictable behavior in varying conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest size, the Drascombe Drifter 22 offers good accommodation and a usable volume of interior space for its class, particularly well-suited for overnight stays at anchor or while moored. The interior features a small cabin designed to maximize utility. The forward section typically provides two sleeping berths, which can be formed by utilizing the saloon table and infill cushions.

For convenience, the cabin layout commonly includes a dedicated storage compartment for a manual chemical toilet, such as a Porta Potti. A galley area is integrated, often equipped with a two-burner Spirit Origo stove that operates on alcohol. The thoughtful arrangement of the interior ensures that functionality under sail is not compromised by the provision of comfortable living spaces, making it a practical choice for coastal cruising and weekend adventures.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Drascombe Drifter 22 frequently praise its robust construction and its design improvements, noting that the new model effectively addressed previous concerns regarding rudder and buoyancy. The vessel is consistently regarded as a comfortable and practical choice for weekend cruising and exploring coastal areas. A strong and active community of Drascombe owners worldwide further enhances the ownership experience, providing a network for shared knowledge and organized events. The reliability of the outboard engine, commonly a Yamaha 8hp or larger, is also frequently highlighted by owners.